99% Invisible A Whale-Oiled Machine
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Mar 14, 2023 
Daniel Ackerman, a reporter known for his engaging storytelling, dives into the intriguing world of whale oil and its unexpected role in the Industrial Revolution. He reveals how William F. Nye innovatively marketed whale oil as a lubricant for machinery, paving the way for modern technology. The discussion spans from brutal whaling history to contemporary employment trends in sectors that evolved from this legacy. Listeners also hear personal stories from those connected to whaling, blending history with modern-day reflections.
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Whaling Museum Artifacts
- The New Bedford Whaling Museum houses artifacts like harpoons, whale oil lamps, and soap.
- Curator Michael Dyer even tried the whale oil soap, confirming its effectiveness.
Whale Oil's Value
- Whale oil's primary use wasn't for meat but for products like soap and lamp oil.
- New Bedford's wealth stemmed from whale oil, leading to its motto "I spread light."
Discovery of Lubricants
- Reporter Daniel Ackerman discovered a collection of small bottles in the museum archives.
- These bottles contained various specialized whale oil lubricants, highlighting lubrication's hidden history.
